Financial Education Renaissance in Japan and the Role of CCFIS : A Policy Commentary

Abstract

Financial education became a global agenda after the global financial crisis, and is one of the important elements of the SDGs. In Japan, although we have established a comprehensive system of financial education, the level of financial literacy is not high enough in comparison to other advanced economies. Rapid aging of the society and the increase in financial fraud demonstrate stronger need for enhancing the financial literacy of general public. The Central Council for Financial Services Information responded by publishing the Financial Literacy Map which describes the necessary knowledge and skills regarding money and finance, targeting at different age groups. We also conducted the Financial Literacy Survey, the result of which was widely reported by mass media. Based on the aforementioned products of our work, the Council is conducting various seminars, and publishing materials aimed at protecting consumers from financial fraud by enhancing their financial literacy and at providing necessary knowledge and skills to cope with the era of the 100-year life. In this connection, we are faced with the issue of how to enhance the financial literacy of teachers in times of rapid financial innovation, as well as in the unprecedented financial environment, such as the zero/negative interest rates. In particular, FinTech could have the effect of causing reverse literacy gap between teachers and students. In order to deal with such challenges, the Council is collaborating with relevant public and/or private institutions, e.g., the Financial Services Agency, local governments, representatives of financial institutions, to revive the spirit of Meiji era, when prominent figures stressed the importance of money in life. We should aim at “financial education renaissance” in Japan.